Are Liverpool’s centre-back options enough?

Throughout this summer transfer window, Liverpool Football Club has been continuously linked with a high profile move for Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk.

The Reds defensive woes have been one of their clearest downfalls over previous years. This was most noticeable in the 2013/14 Premier League season, where they conceded 50 goals, which was the most of any top 5 clubs that season. This resulted in the Reds narrowly missing out on English football’s top prize.

Liverpool fans have certainly been expressing their desire for the club to bring in a new centre back after their fan favourite Mamadou Sakho was frozen out for unknown reasons. At £70 million, Van Dijk was seen as an expensive but essential alternative, but has manager Jurgen Klopp finally put an end to the rumours of acquiring the on strike Southampton captain?

Klopp: “I’m happy. You can imagine we are still working on different things and we will see. I am already here to work with this squad.”

“We have four centre-backs. That’s enough.”

“We cannot force things and we would never get a centre-back just because.”

Joel Matip – Despite not having a regular place in the first team due to the disruption of various injuries. Matip certainly showed promise to Liverpool fans in his debut season. He brings confidence to the defensive line with his composure on the ball and mature decision making despite his young age.

Dejan Lovren – One of the most inconsistent defensive players at Liverpool, who has the ability to create moments of brilliance and moments of disaster. Liverpool fans have been crying out for a replacement to the Croatian centre back.

Ragnar Klavan – Klavan at times has brought confidence to Jurgen Klopp’s side when it has most been needed but has never shown that he is the answer to all the problems. Klavan will certainly be kept as a useful fringe player for the forthcoming season.

Joe Gomez – After showing so much promise in his debut season, injury has disrupted the young Englishman’s development. The 20-year-old still has the world at his feet and has been linked with a loan move to the south coast. However, will the youngster become a big part of Klopp’s plans if another centre back isn’t signed by the end of the window?

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